Check Enforcement Program

Each day, thousands of checks are written to pay for goods or services - yet hundreds are not honored when presented at the bank. Hard working merchants and others go unpaid.

If you or your business is the victim of a bad check, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office may be able to help you get the money you are owed.

Our Check Enforcement Program has a mission to pursue bad check writers and make them pay up - even if it means taking them to court. The program is largely funded by fees paid by bad check writers, making this a completely FREE service to victims and merchants.

If You Receive a Bad Check

Send a Demand for Payment letter to the bad check writer; Form A if the amount is less than $5,000 and Form B if the amount is $5,000 or more. If you do not receive payment within the specified time frame, fill out a Victim Information Form (PDF) (first time victims only), attach the bad check to a completed Submittal/Witness Form (PDF), and mail or deliver these materials to our office:

If there is sufficient evidence to prove that a crime was committed, we will take action against the bad check writer which could result in a criminal court summons and/or a warrant for arrest. Penalties for issuing a bad check include up to 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus full restitution.